To the editor:

The Lawrence school district is requesting input on a four-day school week. A survey was sent to parents/guardians.

As a grandparent of a student in the district, I too am interested. My son, whose child is in the district, forwarded the survey to me.

The district has a five-day week including an early release every Wednesday afternoon. As grandparents living in Lawrence we are able to provide child care on the early-release day.

What will happen to students without family child care support? What will happen to the early-release days teachers have for in-service? Who will pay the price for a four-day school week?

The Legislature has put this burden on our public schools, the students and parents. Kansas districts have to make budget cuts when the conservative Republicans who are in the majority do not fully fund public schools, including fully funding special education. When special education is not fully funded, districts divert funds from general education programs. Our public school and special education should be fully funded.

We can support our grandchild if there is a four-day school week. How many families across the district are in a situation where they might not have support? How much will they have to pay for child care on that fifth day?

Ruthe Goff,

Lawrence